Heraeus Infrared Emitters for 3-Dimensional Heating Processes

Heraeus Amba Australia supplies the QRC range of infrared emitters designed for use in various heating processes.

Formed parts in vehicles such as head restraints, roof coverings or armrests usually consist of a plastic support part covered with textile materials, leather or more plastic. The edges of these parts are folded over and stuck together using a heating mechanism.

The associated heating processes must usually be carried out in relatively restricted space in a very short time.

QRC infrared emitters or quartz reflective coating emitters are shaped to follow the contours of the parts to be heated and designed to transfer heat rapidly without contact in a targeted manner.

QRC infrared emitters are very heat-resistant and do not create hot or cold spots. Suitable for use in very hot locations, these infrared emitters offer homogenous heating with reliable results.

Support parts of plastic or natural fibre polypropylene (PP) are covered with décor materials in textile, leather or other plastics. The excess length of cover material is then thermally fixed by folding over and gluing it. Usually, this takes place with an adhesive, which is activated with heat at temperatures of around 80°C.

When this fold-over is stuck together without adhesive, the plastic is melted at 130-200°C and the folded surfaces pressed together.

Conventionally, hot air jets are generally used because these can be directed precisely on the edges. However, as they need to be working continuously, hot air jets use a lot of energy and the area around them can get heated up unnecessarily.

Infrared heaters on the other hand, deliver heat at the right time in the right place. Infrared radiation heats plastic components without contact and unlike hot air technology, there is no need for a transfer medium.

Infrared emitters can be shaped to the contour of the fold to be heated so that the energy is transferred in a totally targeted spot.

As a rule, short wave infrared emitters are used and these respond very quickly to control commands. As a result, the emitters can be switched on when heat is actually required. This saves energy and costs, especially when the heat is needed for only a few seconds in processes with very short cycle times.

Key Features of QRC Infrared Emitters

QRC infrared emitters have a nano reflector made of quartz material for targeted heating

Opaque quartz material in the QRC emitter is not affected by heat, off-gassing or vapours

When the reflectivity remains continually good, infrared heating processes are more homogenous, stable and reliable

Infrared emitters with the QRC nano reflector coating do not require their own cooling under extreme operating conditions

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